What Benefits Does American Fence Association Membership Offer?
The American Fence Association (AFA) is the largest resource in the fence, gate, and perimeter security industry, spanning 15 countries, 50 states, 1,800+ member companies, and 10K employees across 20 chapters. Membership gives you access to education and certification, networking through chapters and special interest groups, volunteer and awards opportunities, and exclusive discounts. You join through the AFA website's Join page or the MyAFA Portal.
Education and Certification
AFA positions education as a core member benefit ("Where You Grow Education"). Members can access:
- AFA University (AFAU) — the association's education arm, with an AFAU Online component
- Career Pathways — structured routes into and through the industry
- Schools — including chapter-hosted events such as the NY/LI Chapter's Fence Foreman School
- Certifications and certification testing
- Approved Education Providers — a vetted network for continuing education
If your goal is credentialing or training your crew, this is the most concrete benefit cluster. Check the AFAU Online and Certification pages for current course and testing details, since specific requirements aren't listed on the homepage.
Networking: Chapters, Groups, and Community
AFA's 20 chapters run local events that combine education with networking. Examples from the AFA calendar include:
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| NY/LI Chapter – Fence Foreman School | Poughkeepsie, NY | Sep 30 |
| Texas Chapter – Golf & Casino Night with Education | Grapevine, TX | Oct 1 |
| NY/LI Chapter – Upstate Apple Picking & Education (FFS) | Red Hook, NY | Oct 2 |
| Colorado Chapter – Topgolf & Education | Thornton, CO | Oct 7 |
Beyond chapters, members can join Special Interest Groups and the AFA Connected Community, an online member forum. If you want local contacts plus a national peer network, these two channels cover both.
Volunteer Opportunities and Industry Awards
AFA frames this as "Where You Lead Volunteer." Members can:
- Take on volunteer opportunities within the association
- Participate in Industry Awards and Pro Awards programs
These matter most if you want visibility, leadership experience, or recognition for your company within the fence and gate trade.
Exclusive Discounts and Supplier Access
The AFA description cites "exclusive discounts" as a membership benefit, though the homepage does not itemize them. Members also get Supplier Opportunities — pathways to market through AFA, sponsor AFA University, exhibit at FENCETECH, or advertise with AFA. If you're a supplier rather than a contractor, this is your main entry point.
Industry Resources and Tools
Membership connects you to resources that support day-to-day business:
- Contractor Locator — a directory that can route customer inquiries to member companies
- Publications and the AFA Online Store
- Fence Industry Index® and Fence Pulse® — industry data products
- Advocacy and Government Relations updates, including AFA's work on gate safety standards for 2027 I-Codes
- Gate Safety Resources and Industry Standards guidance
The advocacy angle is worth noting if regulatory changes affect your installations — AFA publishes updates such as its 2026:Q2 Advocacy Update.
FENCETECH: The Annual Trade Event
FENCETECH is AFA's premier annual trade event, described as bringing together "innovation, education, and connection." The next edition is scheduled for March 1–5, 2027. Members can attend, exhibit, learn, and network. If you join primarily for one event per year, this is likely it.
How to Join
The AFA homepage lists Join as a top-level navigation item, alongside Member Benefits and Chapters. To become a member:
- Go to the AFA website and select Join.
- Review Member Benefits and Chapters to confirm which tier or chapter fits your business.
- Complete the application; existing members manage their accounts through the MyAFA Portal.
For questions before joining, AFA lists a phone line (800-822-4342) and email ([email protected]), with offices at 3751 Main St., Suite 600 #373, The Colony, TX 75056.
Is Membership Worth It for You?
- Contractors who want certification, local chapter contacts, and a directory listing: the education and Contractor Locator benefits align well.
- Suppliers seeking market access: Supplier Opportunities, sponsorship, and FENCETECH exhibiting are the relevant paths.
- Companies focused on advocacy and standards: AFA's government relations work and gate safety standards involvement are a direct fit.
Pricing and membership tiers are not published on the homepage, so confirm current dues and terms through the Join page or by contacting AFA directly before committing.